Introducing an intern!
My name is William Yearout, and since June I have been working at Holy Comforter Catholic Church in Charlottesville as an Intern with the Office of Vocations. Father Capuano was gracious enough to extend this opportunity to me so that I can continue to discern my vocation in the context of active parish ministry while living in the rectory and working towards the completion of my undergraduate studies. I will be in this position until August of 2021.
My experience so far has been wonderful and grace-filled. For the first time in my life I actually have the opportunity to attend daily Mass every day of the week. Depending on the particular needs of any given celebration I am either serving at the Altar, cantoring, or assisting with ushering and logistical duties related to our COVID-19 precautions.
Living in community with a priest has given me the opportunity to see just what goes into parish ministry, and how a priest best fulfills his ministry with the help of God’s grace. Praying the Liturgy of the Hours in community has been a blessing as well, helping me to see the importance of the liturgy in sanctifying the day and our own labor.
As I continue my discernment, and if it is the Lord’s will that I should do that in the context of seminary formation, I believe this experience will be invaluable. Being exposed to the ins-and-outs of parish ministry has given me a zeal to help build up the body of Christ (that is, the Church) and a more serious respect of the difficult work our priests must do. I ask your prayers for me, for our seminarians, and for an abundance of vocations to the priesthood in the
Diocese of Richmond. God bless you.
About the Author: William Yearout
William Yearout is an intern working for the Office of Vocations and is assigned for the academic year at Holy Comforter Catholic Church, Charlottesville.